JAMMU, Mar 25: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of the Tawi Artificial Lake and Riverfront Development Project in Jammu.
The review covered key components including riverfront development works, barrage construction, sewerage interception, and protection measures being executed under the Smart City initiative.
The Chief Secretary undertook a detailed assessment of both completed and ongoing works, including new initiatives aimed at enhancing the project’s aesthetic appeal and public utility.
He also reviewed restoration works necessitated by damages caused during last year’s flash floods. Stressing the importance of timely completion, he directed all concerned departments to ensure that this major city beautification project is dedicated to the public at the earliest, with all requisite amenities in place.
Reviewing the progress of the Tawi Barrage (Artificial Lake), Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra informed that all 31 gates including 11 at Waddi Tawi and 20 at Nikki Tawi have largely been installed, with hydromechanical works nearing completion.
He detailed out that the electrical works, including transformers had seen the progress of around 70% while that of HT/LT panels has witnessed completion status of 60%.
Similarly he added that the main distribution panels (80%), and SCADA systems (50%), are at advanced stages. Civil works such as piers, cement concrete blocks, toe walls, gabions, and the control room building (98% complete) are nearing completion, although some components at Nikki Tawi are still in progress.
He further informed that the remaining works required for operationalisation of barrage gates, including embedded components and concreting of service gate grooves, are targeted for completion by the month end.
Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD, Mandeep Kaur informed that Phase-1 (Part A) of the riverfront project has been completed. This phase includes the development of a 2.7 km-long four-level promenade and 2.5 km of interceptor drains, resulting in the reclamation of approximately 440 kanals of land.
She added that retaining walls have been constructed 1.5 metres above the highest flood level recorded in 2014 and have withstood recent flood events without any distress, demonstrating the robustness of the design and execution.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar apprised the meeting that construction of a four-lane road on the right bank is progressing steadily. The project includes a 35-metre span RCC bridge over the Ranbir Canal and Distributary-9, with 50% physical and 33% financial progress achieved so far.
He made out that the road will connect Bhagwati Nagar rotary with Bikram Chowk and is expected to significantly ease congestion along the Canal Road–Jewel Chowk corridor. Protection works, drainage, and underground utility provisions are also included in this component.
CEO, Jammu Smart City Limited, Devansh Yadav informed that under Phase-1 (Part B), works related to end-to-end promenade flooring, landscaping, and electrical fixtures on the left bank and central island are progressing well.
He further divulged that the project has achieved 55% physical and 40% financial progress and is targeted for completion by next 2-3 months. The works include installation of decorative lighting at two promenade levels, plantation with drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, and paving using Kota stone and paver blocks.
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